From Andean Condors to Bustards: Discovering Nature’s Big Birds

In Pakistan’s Cholistan Desert, a group of rare birds was recently documented by wildlife photographer Syed Rizwan Mehmood. On July 20, Mehmood witnessed six Great Indian bustards engaging in pre-breeding behavior. The unexpected sighting is notable because it offers the first documented proof that these critically endangered birds are breeding in the region. Conservationists are excited that the area now appears to be home to a small, yet stable population of between 30 to 35 bustards.

Northern cardinals, blue jays, American robins, and house sparrows are common birds throughout North America. These small, aerodynamic creatures soar through the sky and sing to one another from their perches. Their larger relatives, however, are much less common in populated areas. This article covers 10 types of large birds. Read on to learn about their tremendous heights and astonishing wingspans.

This post was updated on August 1, 2025 to include information on the new sighting of 6 Great Indian bustards in Pakistan’s Cholistan Desert.

10. Dalmatian Pelican

Dalmatian pelicans (Pelecanus crispus) are found in southeastern Europe and Central Asia, with their range extending from the Balkans and Russia to parts of the Middle East and South Asia. During the winter season, they typically remain in India or the southernmost parts of Europe. These aquatic birds can weigh up to 30 pounds. Though their large bodies give them an unwieldy walk while onshore, they qualify as big birds that fly. They’ve been observed flying at altitudes of 10,000 feet and higher.

9. Andean Condor

Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) make their home in the Andean mountains of South America. Considered the largest bird of prey, adult Andean condors can weigh as much as 33 pounds. This bird is recognizable by its black wings tipped with white feathers. Its long, curved beak and the white ring of feathers around its neck make these condors stand out. In addition to having a large body, Andean condors have a wingspan of up to 11 feet. They are the national symbols of Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

8. King Penguin

A male king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) can weigh up to 35 pounds, while females weigh slightly less. King penguins leave the hopping to smaller penguin species. They prefer to walk at a slow pace along the beach. They have a white chest paired with a black back and head. In addition, they have orange feathers on both sides of their head. This orange coloration spills down below their chin.

7. Kori Bustard

The African kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) can weigh up to 40 pounds. While able to fly, they prefer to walk or run around. They have gray and white feathers, long legs, and a pointed beak. The kori bustard is notable for both its tremendous height and heavy weight. Adult males can reach a height of about 4.5 feet.

6. Darwin’s Rhea

Darwin’s rhea (Rhea pennata) is native to South America. They are found in grassland or scrub habitats. Darwin’s rheas weigh 33 to 55 pounds. While unable to fly, Darwin’s rhea can run at speeds of around 37 mph.

Darwin’s rhea has a thick layer of spotted brown and white feathers. Its long legs and neck make it resemble an ostrich. Darwin’s rhea has sharp claws that it uses to defend against predators.

5. Domestic Turkey

The domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus) is easily recognizable by its fan of black and brown tail feathers tipped with white. Also, domestic turkeys have a bright red wattle below their beak, paired with a bright red snood on top of their beak.

Domestic turkeys are seen around the world, but they descend from turkeys that originated in central Mexico. Domestic turkeys can weigh up to 86 pounds. Though some wild turkeys can fly, domestic turkeys are unable to do so, as they are too heavy to lift their bodies off the ground.

4. Emperor Penguin

Emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) live in Antarctica, just like king penguins. When it comes to big birds of the penguin family, the emperor penguin holds the title as the largest member. Emperor penguins weigh up to 90 pounds and stand tall at 51 inches. They have black feathers on their back and white on their chest and stomach. This bird has bright yellowish/orange feathers around its throat. Male and female emperor penguins look identical.

3. Emu

The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) has brown, gray, and black feathers. Furthermore, it has long legs with three toes on each foot. Emus weigh up to 120 pounds and therefore are unable to fly. However, they can run at a speed of 30 mph through the Australian desert.

Emus have powerful legs, which makes them a danger to predators. It has a powerful kick along with sharp claws that can cause injury. Most emus stand between 5.7 and just over 6 feet tall, which is enough to ward off many predators.

2. Southern Cassowary

The southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) is native to northern Australia and New Guinea. Notable for its blue feathers and the horn on its head, called a casque. It has bright red wattles just under its blue head, along with thick black feathers on its rear. Females are larger than males, weighing between 154 and 175 pounds, while males weigh up to 121 pounds.

While southern cassowaries don’t fly, they can walk, swim, and run. The claws on their feet help them traverse the debris of their tropical forest habitat.

1. Common Ostrich

Of all the big birds, the common ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the largest one worldwide. Specifically, the common ostrich typically weighs 287 pounds, though rare individuals have been recorded at higher weights. A male common ostrich can grow to a height of nine feet, while females are typically around seven feet tall.

Common ostriches are native to Africa. Their soft, fluffy feathers range from dark brown to black with a gathering of off-white tail feathers. This bird’s long legs and clawed feet allow it to run at a speed of 43 mph. In addition to running, they also use their legs and clawed feet to defend against predators. Their feet can withstand the tough desert terrain they walk and run on. Unable to fly, ostriches use their wings to maintain balance.

The post From Andean Condors to Bustards: Discovering Nature’s Big Birds appeared first on A-Z Animals.